Air Quality Monitoring in Alaska: BLM and Alaska DEC add three new monitoring systems to state’s pollution measurement network

In partnership with the State of Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC), the Bureau of Land Management is pleased to announce the implementation of two new air quality monitoring systems on your BLM Alaska-managed public lands. The BLM has installed air quality monitors at the Campbell Creek Science Center in Anchorage, and at the Glennallen Field Office in Glennallen, Alaska. These monitors provide real time air quality via ADEC’s air quality web page. This allows locals, stakeholders and recreationists to gather (survey, view, checkout, etc.) information on the air quality in and around their favorite hiking and recreating spots.

Air quality is determined by the number of pollutants in the air at a given time. Monitoring systems such as these collect and measure air samples, providing crucial data to specialists who then compare the findings to clean air standards and historic trends in air quality. The goal is to provide accurate assessments, recommendations and advisories to the public. By analyzing air pollutants such as ground level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and airborne particles or aerosols; experts assign the sample air a rating using the Air Quality Index, or AQI.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, the AQI has six categories that communicate the level of health concern using specific colors. When in the green and yellow range, the air is considered to be safe for everyone. When in the orange, pollutants pose a risk for sensitive groups including children, senior citizens and those with health issues. Once the air quality moves to red and purple, breathing the air is unhealthy for everyone and Code Maroon signals a health warning of emergency conditions.

Air quality is monitored at the federal, state, regional and local levels and can vary greatly within a small area. With these additional monitoring systems in place, the BLM is helping the State of Alaska to form a denser air pollution measurement network that provides the public with the most accurate information possible. Despite our home’s often remote and picturesque locales, Alaskans face a medley of threats from air pollution stemming from natural events like wildfire. During fire season in particular, the BLM and its partners can use the data gathered by these systems to note smoke levels and advise the public on how best to remain safe in the event of a fire.

Learn more about the current air quality reports in your area by visiting the Department of Environmental Conservation’s interactive Air Quality Index map. And if you’re looking for an even more up close and personal look at how air quality is monitored, visit the BLM’s active air quality monitoring system at the Campbell Creek Science Center.